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ICC BID TO DEVELOP ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a big increase in the programme of One-Day International (ODI) cricket for associate member countries, to develop the game globally.

The six countries - Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, The Netherlands and Scotland - will participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and are expected to play at least 64 ODI matches before the World Cup begins in March 2007.

It includes matches against full member countries.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said that the new programme was an essential step in the development of the sport in these countries.

The schedule will begin with five ODIs for Kenya in Zimbabwe from 25 February and all six countries will have tasted ODI action before the end of June this year.

The pre-World Cup schedule includes home matches for Ireland against England; Scotland versus Pakistan and The Netherlands v Sri Lanka.

In addition, all six associate members will contest the inaugural ICC World Cricket League Division One tournament in Kenya in January 2007.